Preparing Your Child for Starting School

The transition into Nursery and Reception can be daunting for even the most confident of children and even more so for the parents and carers. We have compiled a list of milestones you can be working towards at home over the summer to help ensure your child has the confidence and skills they need for a smooth start. 

Please note that whilst we list these milestones for you to work towards with your child, all children are different and learn at different rates. Therefore, please do not put pressure on your child if they are not yet meeting any of the milestones listed.

If you are concerned about your child's development in any way please share this with teachers during the one to one parent teacher meetings

Preparing for Nursery

Self-care

• I am beginning to know when to wash my hands

• I can wipe my nose

• I will say if I am hungry, tired or hurt

Eating

• I can use a spoon and fork

• I can drink from an open cup without spilling

Getting dressed and undressed with suppport

• I can get dressed with only a little help

• I can unzip a zipper

• I can put on and take off my shoes

Independence

• I can manage to be away from my parents or carers with support and encouragement

• I am happy to tidy my belongings and look after my things

Routines

• I have a good bedtime routine so I'm not feeling tired for school

• I'm learning to eat at the times I will on school days

Going to the toilet

• I can communicate my need to use the toilet

• I can attend to toileting needs by myself most of the time

• I can usually manage washing and drying my hands

Sharing and taking turns

• I can share toys with encouragement

• I like playing games alongside others

• I like interacting with other children

Speaking and literacy

• I like to read stories and look at picture books

• I am able to talk about myself, my needs and feelings

Listening and understanding

• I am able to sit and listen for a short while

• I can follow simple directions

• I show understanding and cooperation with some boundaries and routines

Preparing for Reception

Self-care

• I know when to wash my hands

• I can wipe my nose

• I can ask for help if I need it

Eating

• I can use a knife and fork

• I can open my packed lunch on my own

• I am confident at opening wrappers and packaging

Getting dressed and undressed on my own

• I can button and unbutton my shirt and use a zip

• I can put my own shoes and socks on and off

• I can change into my PE kit and put my coat on

Independence

• I am happy to be away from my parents or carers

• I am happy to tidy my belongings and look after my things

• I am feeling confident about starting school

Routines

• I have practised putting on my uniform and getting ready to leave on time

• I have a good bedtime routine so I'm not feeling tired for school

• I'm learning to eat at the times I will on school days

Going to the toilet

• I can go to the toilet on my own, wipe myself properly and flush

• I can wash and dry my hands without any help

Sharing and turn taking

• I can share toys and take turns

• I like playing games with others

• I like interacting with other children

Speaking and literacy

• I like to read stories and look at picture books

• I am able to talk about myself, my needs and feelings

• I am practising recognising my name when it is written down

Listening and understanding

• I am able to sit and listen for a short while

• I can follow instructions

• I understand the need to follow rules

Writing skills

• I like tracing patterns and colouring in

• I enjoy making marks

• I am practising holding a pencil

Counting skills

• I enjoy practising counting objects

• I like saying number rhymes and playing counting games

• I can recognise some numbers when they are written down

Interest in the world and new activities

• I enjoy learning about the word around me

• I am interested in exploring new activities or environments

• I like asking questions